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I've become more and more aware of a disconnect between what I've learned to be true from external sources/what I've been shown by the media, and what I've actually witnessed and experienced with my own senses. In some cases these two perceptions are at complete contradiction with one another, and I would guess most of us adhere to one perception over another on a gut, emotional level. Which perception is preferable over the other, and in which cases? Perhaps a couple examples will clarify what I mean.
I've never seen anyone go on a mass shooting. And yet, I've got this subconscious feeling that they are fairly common occurances. From a purely mathematical point of view, they are phenomenally rare, and based on my personal experience, they would be nonexistant. Yet I've been shown these shootings by the media again and again, until they don't even surprise me anymore. How has that shaped my perception of reality? Would I have a better view of humanity if I was completely cut off from this sort of media information? Would I be a happier person?
Another example. I know there are religious people who have carried signs that say "God hates fags." I know there are religious people who make outrageous claims, like the Earth was created 7,000 years ago. I know there are religious people who have blown themselves up and killed others in the name of religion. The only reason I know these things is because the media has shown them to me.
But what of my personal experiences with religious people? I've never known a single religious person to do any of the things listed above. Most seem like average people who are trying to lead moral lives, hoping for an afterlife with their loved ones. I've never seen a religious person strap a bomb to themselves, but I have seen them commit incredible acts of charity and kindess. My personal experiences tell me religious people are admirable, the media tells me they are dangerous and backwards. Again, how has the media shaped my perceptions? Would I be less cynical without?
One final example. Humans are destroying the environment. We are pumping poisons into the water and atmosphere. We are changing the global climate. I've been told these things, and so I feel them on some level. But what do I see with my own eyes? Lush, freshly cut grass, cities filled with trees. Forests that seem to stretch on to eternity. Streams of water that certainly LOOK clean... Fairly consistent weather.
In some ways, the media perception I've been given has been beneficial, since we can only see and experience a small fraction of existence. In some ways, it has been a detriment. Some could argue that more information is always beneficial for society and the individual, but I would say that in some cases ignorance is bliss. Overall, would I be better off, happier, living in the current society, or in some small village cut off from the rest of the world, where the only knowledge we gain is what we see, hear, feel, smell, with our own senses? What do you think?
  
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Cool post. I hold an exceptionally biased perception against religious people, and most of it was probably formed by media. It's not that I hate them or anything, I just feel they are blind and/or ignorant on some levels. Yes, it's admirable to have faith in goodness. I guess my major bias against religious people is how SOME of them always attribute good things to Jesus or God or whoever. Some of them say things like "My life is so blessed (meaning "to have had blood spilled for the purpose of healing and exorcism of evil spirits," though they don't know it), I just want to thank Jesus for everything that's been happening lately." Like WTF. I would rather thank myself for whatever effort I made and the kindness / charity / generosity of other human beings than discount all those people in favor of an idea.
It's true that I can be too uptight about stuff like this, but I tell myself I'm not hateful towards them. I just get a little annoyed by some of them, is all.
One of my things is, it would be nice to know where exactly my food is coming from. For example I have a can of beans in my cabinet that says it was processed by something like the "National Distribution and Processing Center" in Minnesota. I remember hearing of this place before when I read it. Someone on youtube (media) told me that they researched this specific company that is appearing on my can of beans as responsible for some of the food that I eat, and that person on youtube said it was practically impossible to find the food's source, just that it went through that warehouse center.
Not that that is necessarily true, but it's something to think about. For all I know, without having done my own research, the food in that can could have been made by a 3D printer or something. Stem cells and all that. But who am I kidding? I get all my information from outside sources.
On the environment, I really like the idea of people having favorite cars, colors, movies, bands, stories, etc., but why don't they have favorite trees? I'm particular to the humble Oak and the eminent Redwood. What about your favorite bird? Favorite mushroom?
It's true we would be a lot happier without media influencing our thoughts. But one thing I'd like to know is where my food comes from.
Edit: Awesome username btw!
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^How can we imagine a world without media influence?
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You know I think there is a really good point in that what most of what the media does is kind of unnecessary, in that it often reports on negative stories and controversy as much as possible in order to get more viewers, and besides that much of the coverage ends up being painfully superficial. The interviews with experts are like two minutes long and they always end up saying obvious things everyone already knew.
So there is definitely a good case to be made for deciding not to listen to the media. But I think that's throwing the baby out with the bathwater (what a crazy saying!), because all you really have to do is choose your sources more intelligently. Like I love listening to Anna-Maria Tremonte on CBC because she always talks about really thought provoking subjects and doesn't limit her conversations to soundbites. I have to say I also used to enjoy watching Tom Hartmann on RT even though I think the rest of that news network is anti-US propaganda, because the guy is smart and looks honestly at both sides of every issue.
Besides I think its healthy to be exposed to controversial thoughts, or insane thoughts. Otherwise you never get the chance to exercise your critical thinking faculties. I think its important that you don't let yourself become a boat in the sea that is pushed this way and that by oncoming currents. You should have the ability to rationally stop yourself from believing things that are patently false. For example, for me this means rejecting the notion that all Muslims are dangerous. Although there is a case to be made for subliminal messaging perhaps, though on the whole I find that I'm not unreasonably prejudiced towards Muslims because I know that the terrorists are just a very, very small minority of that group.
Really you can say that this influence extends far beyond media, to family, to friends, to business colleagues and teachers. Perhaps its much more prevalent in media, but really I think its just all part of the same thing that you always need to be aware of. Not to mention your personal experiences could strongly colour you to believe terrible, self-destructive things (i.e. I am not loveable because of these select interactions)...and if you listen to the right sources then you can reverse that trend.
I guess I'm trying to say its complicated, as usual  , but that the real solution isn't just trying to completely shut out media, its really just about deciding what to watch and what not to watch, and thinking about everything. Basically a very common sense result!
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media perception is not at all the same as shit that's going on. They are there to report the news and do it in a captivating way as to draw more viewership to their company.
The importance is in how you interpret the news. I for one have gotten pretty good at interpreting what really happens in the news. There is a lot of bullshit, and the writers are very good in strewing together points to make their arguments work to convince you about their point of view that they are writing about. But if you can see that and take apart their arguments and just accept them for the facts that they are, then you can get some good information out of it all
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You can try experiment by shutting yourself off from news for a month or so. Staying away from internet probably more challenging. I did that for awhile and felt a lot more grounded and at peace. There's something bloodthirsty and insane the way tragedy and suffering has been turned into 24 hour entertainment.
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EPT
